Several different methods are available to help measure body fat and fat distribution in our bodies. In most cases, body fat should ideally be minimized to help manage body weight and reduce the risk for certain chronic diseases. In addition to overall body fat percentage, certain body fat distributions can increase your risk for certain diseases. People who carry the most excess body fat around their abdomen are especially at risk.
Anthropometric Measurements
Anthropometric measurements are used to estimate body fat percentages and distribution. These may include skinfold thickness measurements, ultrasounds or magnetic resonance imaging according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other methods for estimating body fat percentage include underwater weighing, bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning. Medline Plus notes that ideal body fat percentages for women are between 20 and 21 percent and for men are 13 to 17 percent. The same source notes that women with body fat over 30 percent and men with body fat percentages over 24 percent are considered obese.
Descriptions
Skinfold thickness measurements are taken using calipers that measure the thickness of a fold of skin and specific formulas to help estimate body fat percentages in different parts of the body. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning uses x-rays to help determine body fat percentages. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, uses magnetization, and ultrasounds use sound wave pressure, to help estimate body fat. Bioelectrical impedance analysis determines body fat based on the speed of a small electric current passed through the body and hydrostatic underwater weighing helps estimate body mass density and body fat when a person is completely submerged under water.
BMI
BMI, or body mass index, is a number used to help categorize body weight and estimate body fat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website provides adult, child and teen BMI calculators to help quickly determine your BMI based on your height and weight. BMIs below 18.5 are classified as underweight; BMIs 18.5 to 24.9 are healthy weights; BMIs 25 to 29.9 are overweight and 30 or above are classified as obese. BMIs are a less accurate measure of body fat in certain population groups, such as the elderly or extremely muscular individuals.
Waist Circumference
Waist circumference is an indicator of abdominal body fat. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women with a waist circumference of 35 or above and men with a waist measurement of 40 or above have an increased risk for obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease. To measure your waist circumference, place a tape measure around your waist, right above your hip bones, after breathing out.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Waist-to-hip ratio is another method used to help estimate abdominal fat and determine disease risk. According to AIDS InfoNet, waist-to-hip ratios greater than .8 in women and .9 in men increase disease risks. Waist measurements are taken around the narrowest part of the waist and hip measurements are taken around the widest area of the hips. To calculate your waist-to-hip ratio, divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement.
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